Monday, 17th February 2003
South Hampshire joins the DAB digital radio age

Capital Radio Digital have flicked the switch to bring local DAB digital radio to Portsmouth, Southampton and other towns within South Hampshire - several weeks later than expected.

Following a last-minute hitch, in which International Clearance had to be obtained so that the multiplex could launch, 9 stations are now successfully broadcasting on the DAB digital platform:

BBC Radio Solent : news, information and music (BBC Radio)

103.2 Power FM : pop and contemporary music (Capital Radio plc)

Ocean FM : adult melodic hits (Capital Radio plc)

Capital Gold : classic hits and oldies (Capital Radio plc)

Passion : Hits of the eighties and nineties, environmental and health issues and World music (Passion for the Planet Limited)

Saga Radio : easy listening music (Saga Digital Radio Ltd)

Xfm : new rock and dance (Capital Radio plc)

Channel 9 : shared channel, consisting of the following stations at different times :-

Southampton Hospital Radio : hospital radio service

SouthCity FM : local radio service

DAB Programme Guide : downloadable show guide data service

London's 104.9 Xfm has replaced GWR Group's The Storm - Modern Rock to launch as the rock service on the new multiplex. Also missing from Channel 9 is childrens' station Abracadabra, with a launch likely towards the end of this year and SBN, a new station for students.

The new multiplex, on Block 11C, joins the nearby multiplex for Bournemouth, which can be found on Block 11B.